Paul Pierce, who had a fierce rivalry with LeBron James during their playing days, has now acknowledged that James may be the greatest basketball player of all time.
“LeBron is in that GOAT argument to where you could just say he might be the GOAT, you know, his longevity, the records he’s had.”
– Paul Pierce
(Via @TheVolumeSports ) pic.twitter.com/xyNVd6TYYE
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 8, 2024
In an interview with The Volume, Pierce praised James for his longevity and numerous records. This comes as a surprise, as Pierce’s opinion has evolved since his playing days when he likely would not have made such a statement.
Back then, Pierce was one of the NBA’s biggest stars, often giving James a hard time on the court. Their head-to-head matchups resulted in Pierce having a slightly better regular-season record, while James prevailed in the playoffs.
Since retiring, Pierce has become a prominent voice in basketball commentary and has closely studied James’ dominance. Despite their competitive history, Pierce recognizes James’ greatness and praises his impact on the league.
It is a testament to Pierce’s growth and James’ extraordinary abilities.
This statement from Pierce suggests that James has made a lasting impression on him and many NBA fans, as they never expected Pierce to consider James as a contender for the greatest player of all time.
Fans reacted as follows:
He’s easily the Goat. Shouldn’t even be a conversation anymore
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) March 8, 2024
First time Paul pierce hasn’t said a blasphemous take
— ♱ (@JuiceWRLDsGUN) March 8, 2024
He has to say that because every time Pierce criticizes Lebron people say he’s salty about that Game 7 loss
— RJ Trader (@rj_trading1) March 8, 2024
Paul Pierce respecting LeBron?!?!?!👀 pic.twitter.com/8v8nU6Wdcp
— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) March 8, 2024
This doesn’t mean much. Anyone who played against Lebron is gonna raise him up so that their legacy is also elevated “I battled the goat” agenda.
Players in Jordan’s era do the same thing.
— BIG PROTEIN (@Louslocker) March 8, 2024
Nahh if Paul Pierce is saying Bron the 🐐 then he the GOAT. That’s his biggest hater 💀
— thaven (@thavenNFT) March 8, 2024
Paul Pierce is actually likeable now? The podcast he did with Draymond was a dub too pic.twitter.com/uUdqB0XY1s
— Vini (@ViniEAFC) March 8, 2024
lebron is the goat. no doubt about it
— d` (@deebotatum) March 8, 2024
The GOAT CANNOT have a losing record playing for the title. Name another sport whose GOAT has a losing record when going for a title? Why is this not the very first thing brought up when talking about LBJ?
— JarrodBrower1495 (@brower1495) March 8, 2024
I get what’s he’s getting at and he’s finally making sense. He’s saying that MJ is no longer undisputedly the Goat. His name with always be matched with LeBron.
— 24 (@Not24HRS) March 8, 2024
The records is there for a reason
He’s my goat 🐐— PAPOO⭕️👿 (@PapooMarley) March 8, 2024
That’s about right 😅 he got 40k he has playoff blemishes but his body of work is legendary. 40k+10k+10k?
— MusecTV (@Museclives) March 8, 2024
“LeBron is in that GOAT argument to where you could just say he might be the GOAT, you know, his longevity, the records he’s had.”
— UTDSiF (@OlatunjiDrsif) March 8, 2024
You know you’re goated when even your biggest hater/opp has no choice but to acknowledge you’re the goat
— 𝐊𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐢 (@papyfaye1) March 8, 2024
High praise indeed from Paul Pierce! LeBron's longevity and record breaking achievements definitely put him squarely in the GOAT conversation. 🐐🏀
— Sam khan (@Samkhan_co99) March 8, 2024
The only reason I don’t consider lebron thr GOAT is because he claims that he is the GOAT. When Jordan was asked about GOAT he paid tribute to his predecessors and said every generation is different
— Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy (parody) (@VivekRammaswamy) March 8, 2024
Yall know if Paul Pierce and every other star was still playing at 39 and doing what Bron is still doing that they’d be calling themselves the goat too, or seriously elevating their status with their “longevity” stats.
But fact is THEY COULDNT.
So jealousy creeps in.
— BDC (@bdc232423) March 9, 2024
This how you know Lebron really the goat. Lmao so many players be knowing & wanting to say this but they hated dude. Everybody is coming around now lol Idek how people argue it anymore tbh
— THE CHOSEN ONE (@PrincePillz) March 8, 2024
